Special Event Dresses for Every Size, Shape & Budget + The 2 Dress Shoes Every Woman Needs - Nada Manley

Buy it when you find it, not when you need it.

If you could only remember one tip from me, ever, this might have to be it. Special event dresses especially are super elusive when you need them. You stress (Rule no. 734: Never shop under duress) and overspend only to settle for a dress you don’t love, or worse, a dress that another guest is wearing.

That’s why, with a few exceptions, I always encourage you to shop your closet rather than your local boutique when an event comes up. If you’ve been acquiring special event dresses as you find them, you’ll have options hanging in your wardrobe, ready for the next brunch or wedding or Derby party. It saves time, money, and STRESS.

Of course, if everything in your wardrobe comes from the same store, you might be in a style rut. And a girl likes to have options now and then. This video is full of options. There’s a store here to suit your aesthetic, your size, your budget, and your event.

But first, I have to talk about shoes, because, why not?

I’m super excited to be working with a brand I have loved and talked about for a long time, Inez. Inez is a brand that makes stylish heels for women who love heels but also want comfort. I LOVE their philosophy! They design shoes that are beautiful and then add all of their proprietary technology and features to make them comfortable.

And they gave me a code: NADA15.

They even offer roomy, slim, and standard widths.

So what are the (only) two styles of shoes every woman needs for special events? The Suede Pump and The Metallic Sandal. Here’s why.

The Suede Pump

Suede has an evening-friendly finish that mimics velvet, and works equally well for day and night, making it the most versatile choice. If you don’t have one of these in your arsenal, you’ll probably start with a neutral, but my choice from Inez is the Mia slingback pump in red. Of course.

The Metallic Sandal

A metallic is the most neutral neutral, and it’s the perfect way to accessorize any special occasion outfit. There’s almost nothing you could wear that won’t work with this wardrobe staple. My pick is the Sofia sandal from Inez.

Don’t forget to use code Nada15 for 15% off Inez!

And now on to the dresses. You can find all of the dresses in one place right here.

Piper & Scoot

What I Love:

Started by a Utah mom.
Based in the U.S.
Focuses on dresses. Everything under $100
Size XS-3X

My Pick: The Radford Maxi Dress, $88. Comes in this green as well as mauve and blue.

Tuckernuck

What I Love:

Wide range of brands including their own designs
Colorful, cheerful and fun designs
Great customer services
XXS-3XL

My Pick: The Jamie Dress, $328. Packable, washable, stylish, timeless, and almost universally flattering. Comes in black, hot pink, and bright yellow.

Draper James

What I Love:

Reese Witherspoon’s brand
Southern-inspired feminine styles
Classic collectible pieces you can wear year after year
Great quality and fit
Size XS-3X

My Pick: Riley midi shirtdress in lurex stripe, $168

Ivy City Co.

What I Love:

Based in Utah
Owned by 3 moms
Feminine, slightly frilly styles for special occasions
Mother Daughter styles
$100-200 range
XXS-5X

My Pick: Reese Shift Dress, $118. Available in pink or blue.

Boden

What I Love:

The British answer to J Crew
Wearable accessible colorful. Known for fab patterns.
Petite and regular sizes.
Sizes 0-22.
Great quality. Known for their jerseys.

My Pick: Organza Occasion Dress Green Tambourine. $370

Marcella NYC

What I Love:

Affordable.
Lots of knits. XXS-XXXL
Petite and tall friendly styles
Sustainable ethical fair trade.
Run by a husband and wife who wanted to democratize design and make dressing like an edgy New Yorker affordable.
Nothing above $150

My Pick: Mila dress, $128